NEW ZEALAND are ready to roll out their big guns at the Millennium Stadium as they prepare for out-of-form Wales to come out fighting.

The All Blacks are set to deploy the same star-studded side that romped to The Rugby Championship title last month with six straight wins over Southern Hemisphere powerhouses Australia, South Africa and Argentina.

Only hooker Keven Mealamu and scrum half Aaron Smith are doubts for the clash in Cardiff on Saturday, with experienced duo Andrew Hore and Piri Weepu set to step in.

After resting key players for the wins over Scotland and Italy over the last fortnight the All Blacks insist they will not be underestimating Warren Gatland’s side, despite their dismal run of results.

Wales go into Saturday’s clash off the back of five straight defeats while their New Zealand counterparts are unbeaten in 19 test matches stretching back to August 2011.

All Blacks number eight Kieran Read said: “You look at a team like Wales and not too long ago they were dominating European rugby and no team goes backwards that quickly.

“They are still a quality side and we respect them a lot. They’ll definitely be a lot better than the last two weeks.

“They won’t be happy with where they are at, so we know they are going to be looking to come out strong.

“When your backs are against the wall you are going to come out fighting and that’s what we are expecting.

The 27-year-old was part of the New Zealand side who triumphed in Cardiff in 2009 and 2010 and despite starting the game as overwhelming favourites he has refused to write off Wales’ chances.

Wales are desperate to end a 59-year wait for a win over the All Blacks but few are giving Gatland’s side any hope against the World Cup champions.

“It generally takes us the full 80 minutes to get the better of Wales,” said Crusaders forward Read.

“We have never had an easy game against the Welsh and we know they will come at us physically and make it tough for us.

“Across the board they have quality and we know they are a very good side.

“We will do our home work as always and formulate a game plan to beat Wales but we know when we play well the score board should take care of itself.

“But we can’t just expect to turn up and it will happen. Wales will bring a lot of intensity and we have to match that.”

Read captained the All Blacks for the first time in their 42-10 win over Italy last weekend in Richie McCaw’s absence and chalked up his eighth try for this country with a first half touchdown.

He is arguably the leading eight in world rugby while the current New Zealand XV have been hailed as better than the side who won the World Cup last year, after an incredible run of results since picking up the Webb Ellis cup.

“It’s difficult to compare sides but we just want to improve with every game. We want to be better this week than last week against Italy,” said Read.

“Being captain was a great experience and something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“We don’t come to Europe very often and we want to make sure we impress people when we do.

“We’re the All Blacks, every time we step out on to the pitch people expect us to play at a high level.”